Parts of the Mass QUESTION from Shirley O'Connor December 26, 2000 Thank you for responding to my question of August 30, 2000 (I believe) when I asked you about standing after we say May the Lord accept the Sacrifice at your hands, for the Praise and Glory of His Name, for our good, and the good of all His Church. You said that the Rubrics require that we stand. I am more than willing to do this as I want to be obedient.
I notice that in most Parishes that I have been in (including my own), no one stands at this point in the Mass. If the Rubrics require that we stand, why doesn't our Priest ask the people to stand or say please stand? I'm assuming that this is an abuse that has been allowed to continue for whatever reason.
To the point. I want to stand but I know that I will be the only one standing in the whole church. I don't care if people laugh at me, criticize me, or whatever but will I be hurting the Priest by doing this? Embarrassing him or causing him any problems in any way? I have been feeling for a long time now that I should be standing and I feel like a real coward for not doing so.
I know that you are constantly bombarded with questions (lately a lot from me - sorry) but I really want to do what's right.
Please help again and may God bless you.
ANSWER by John-Paul Ignatius, O.L.S.M. on March 4, 2001 Dear Mrs. O'Connor:
Before taking individual action during the Mass, you need to talk with the Priest about this first. Express your concerns that the Liturgical rules say to stand and that your parish is not doing it. Ask him if he will begin to teach the people to stand as they are suppose to.
If you would be the ONLY one standing, it would perhaps be disruptive. Is this a battle you really want to fight?
But at the least, I would express your concerns to the priest. If he is not understanding, then pray for him.
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